Max size? Chartplotter for 330/340/360

YYZRC

How big can I go?! It looks like about 12” x 12”? I’m considering replacing the C80 with a newer non-widescreen Raymarine and open to ideas. 

Thank you!

aero3113

I was actually thinking of mounting an iPad and using the Navionics app on my 330. They come in various sizes.

aero3113

You can also use the inavX app also.

check out the link below.
https://digitalyacht.net/2013/01/22/getting-nmea-data-to-an-ipad-or-iphone/

Stodge

The advantages to having a marine chartplotter versus an iPad include the GPS integration to your VHF radio for DSC and AIS.

Nearly all VHF radios now have DSC.  If you get an MMSI number (boatus.com/mmsi) and program it into your VHF radio and it has a GPS signal, then the "distress" button will do all it can do.  Which means when you push the "distress" button your MMSI number and your lat/lon are transmitted as a digital signal on channel 70 (NEVER EVER use channel 70 for voice communication) to the Coast Guard who then knows who you are, where you are and that you are in distress.  The other use for GPS/DSC is being able to "ping" other boats you know who have the same setup.  Given the right combination if you have a friends MMSI number you can transmit a request and if they are in range the data will come back and be displayed on your chartplotter showing their location.

Having AIS is more valuable if you are boating in a area with larger commercial ships like freighters.  Again if properly equipped (meaning a VHF radio with AIS function or a separate AIS reciever) you will see vessels sending an AIS transponder signal displayed on your chartplotter.

I have DSC and AIS on the 342.  I also have DSC on the center console.  I ever have a handheld with GPS built in and DSC.  Meaning each has a unique MMSI number and I can perform the DSC function on any of them.

My $0.02

Disclaimer:  I'm an amateur radio operator so my interest in VHF radio is a tiny bit higher than some folks.  And as a vessel examiner for the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary I tend to talk about boating safety. 

aero3113

@Stodge , I agree but that’s where the Digital Yacht box comes into play.

Liberty44140

Agree with Stodge on the "big picture" advantages of having a true GPS chartplotter that can be integrated. I keep my Raymarine C70 going and installed to be sure to have that. But - I wouldn't break the bank on it. Honestly I'd get the bare minimum because the iPad works so freaking awesome for a fraction of the price. Of course you need a cellular enabled iPad as that is the only iPad with a GPS chip, Wifi only wont work unless you buy the "bad elf" which add's GPS to the Wifi Only. I've got a waterproof case for my iPad which was $30 on amazon and I've got $40 or so in to my RAM mount for my iPad 2018. Really works unbelievable. I've used it to go from western lake erie up in to Lake St. Claire and used it this summer to cross lake erie in to mainland canada. No cellular service or wifi service needed, download the maps ahead of time and off you go on the gps chip. I dont pay for cellular service for the ipad, not needed. 

aero3113

Here’s a quick video on Digital Yacht

https://youtu.be/80ITYGAwuok

aero3113

Found a price list

https://digitalyacht.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DIGITAL-YACHT-2019-US-PRICE-LIST.pdf

DanD2

I replaced one of my Lowrance units with a Dell 7" tablet with Navionics and it works OK. Only issue is that there are time that it is very hard to see because of the sun. That is an issue with all tablets.

aero3113

I believe you can get an anti glair screen protector that helps with the issue.

YYZRC

I used an iPad in my old boat with Navionics and it was great relative to the cost, but the brightness is insufficient and not having NEMA integration (MPG etc) sucks.  I tried the anti-glare filters (even tried a $100 anti-glare filter recommended by pilots) and shields.  Not enough nits.  Been there, done that.

While I appreciate that there are alternatives to an expensive chartplotter, I'm just looking to know the length and width of the panel where the chartplotter is fitted.  I'm thinking of an older model chartplotter such as an A-Series 12.1" if it will fit.

Thanks.

Liberty44140

This is interesting, I've never had a glare problem in using this setup for years. Must have to do with my canvas package? Who knows....

aero3113

Was testing out my ram mount for the iPad, really like it. Big difference from using my phone. I’m still going to play around with placement. Would love to put it in place of the Lowrance but I like having the chart plotter hooked up to the VHF.

Black_Diamond

Big question is where do you boat?  I can easily be out of range for a cell connection...in minutes on Lk Mich. I have my VHF with the MMSI number. Plus my (older) Raymarine C70 plotter and radar. 

If you can stay in range for an ipad to work, certainly cheaper!  

aero3113

@Black_Diamond , no cell service needed. Navionics runs off of the GPS in the iPad.

aero3113

But to get the GPS function in an iPad you need a cellular iPad but don’t need the service. If you have an iPhone it already has the GPS function and Navionics will work without cellular service.

YYZRC

I’ve got my black 1/4” starboard ready to go to make a mount for my iPad where my E80 was. Dam COVID. 

DanD2

iPads are nice but you'll have issues seeing it in bright sunlight.

YYZRC

Yep, they suck in bright light but I can’t find a new dedicated chartplotter with a 4:3 aspect ratio to fit the space properly. 

aero3113

DanD2 said:

iPads are nice but you'll have issues seeing it in bright sunlight.

I have an anti glare screen on it, curious to see how it will do. So far at the house it has no glare.

YYZRC

The iPad just doesn’t get bright enough to work well on sunny days. Glare is part of the issue but nits is the bigger problem. 

skennelly

I'm with @Black_Diamond.  I'm not comfortable using a tablet as my primary...backup sure.

LaRea

Buttons.  Nav systems need buttons.  Try doing pinch zoom on a touchscreen device at 30 mph in rough water and you will see what I mean. 

YYZRC

Yep, not perfect but the maps are awesome and the kids can watch movies on the car ride home!